Electric valve including manual override

ABSTRACT

An electrically operated valve assembly having a manual override includes a valve body, an actuation cam, a shaft, a gear, and a biasing member. The shaft is connected to the actuation cam and includes a projection. The gear defines an opening which selectively receives the projection of the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear. In a first operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative to the valve and the shaft is biased to be engaged with the gear. In a second operating condition of the valve assembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along the axis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotated about the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from the gear. Further, a master control module can control one or more such valve assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Electrically actuated valves are very popular; opening a closed valve orclosing an open valve with the touch of a button from a remote locationhas long been convenient and desirable. As a result, valves includingmotor drives have long been used in manufacturing and in the marineindustry, and in other application areas to provide mechanical powerwhere valve actuation by human power was inconvenient or impossible, andremote operation thereof.

It has long been recognized that an electrically operated valve musthave a manual override capability, but the methods for achieving manualoperation are not intuitive, and the procedure is physically difficult,time consuming, and often requires the use of tools. Furthermore, in asystem that includes multiple valves, often in multiple sizes, such ason a marine vessel, monitoring and controlling the valves presentsadditional challenges to the designer and operator alike.

A common problem with valves in the marine industry has been theaccumulation of nuisance growth on internal valve parts, makinginfrequently actuated valves extremely difficult to operate. Frequentvalve actuation is the best method for minimizing growth buildup, butdoing so has not been practical or convenient.

In marine vessels, the presence of excess water in the bilge area isproblematic and dangerous. There are numerous methods of alerting thevessel operator to the condition, but none identify the exact locationof the high water in the vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

According to one or more aspects, a valve assembly including a manualoverride includes a valve body, an actuation cam, a shaft, a gear, and abiasing member. The actuation cam selectively engages the valve handle.The shaft is connected to the actuation cam and includes a projectionand delineates an axis. The gear defines an opening which selectivelyreceives the projection of the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear.The biasing member biases the shaft in a direction along the axis of theshaft towards the valve body. In a first operating condition of thevalve assembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative tothe valve handle and the shaft is biased by the biasing member to beengaged with the gear. In a second operating condition of the valveassembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along theaxis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotatedabout the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from thegear.

The valve assembly can include a valve handle pivotally mounted to thevalve body to open and close the valve body. The actuation cam caninclude a first cam face and a second cam face. In the first operatingcondition of the valve assembly, the first cam face comes in contactwith a first edge of the valve handle when the actuation cam is rotatedin a first direction. In the second operating condition of the valveassembly, the second cam face comes in contact with a second edge of thevalve handle when the actuation cam is rotated in a second direction.

According to one or more aspects, a master control module forcontrolling one or more valve assemblies includes a receiver, a display,an input component, a processor, and a transmitter. The receiverreceives one or more positional status signals from one or morecorresponding individual control modules. Each positional status signalis indicative of a positional status of a valve assembly of one or morevalve assemblies corresponding to a respective individual control moduleof the one or more individual control modules. The display renders oneor more graphic elements indicative of the positional status for therespective valve assemblies corresponding to the one or more individualcontrol modules. The input component receives a command pertaining toone or more of the valve assemblies. The processor generates one or moresets of control signals for one or more of the valve assembliesassociated with the command. The transmitter transmits the one or moresets of control signals to the one or more individual control modules.

According to one or more aspects, a method for controlling one or morevalve assemblies can include receiving one or more positional statussignals from one or more corresponding individual control modules,rendering one or more graphic elements indicative of the positionalstatus for the respective valve assemblies corresponding to the one ormore individual control modules, receiving a command pertaining to oneor more of the valve assemblies, generating one or more sets of controlsignals for one or more of the valve assemblies associated with thecommand, and transmitting the one or more sets of control signals to theone or more individual control modules. Each positional status signal isindicative of a positional status of a valve assembly of one or morevalve assemblies corresponding to a respective individual control moduleof the one or more individual control modules.

According to one or more aspects, a system for controlling one or morevalve assemblies includes a receiver, a display, an input component, aprocessor, and a transmitter. The receiver receives one or morepositional status signals from one or more corresponding individualcontrol modules. Each positional status signal is indicative of apositional status of a valve assembly of one or more valve assembliescorresponding to a respective individual control module of the one ormore individual control modules. The display renders one or more graphicelements indicative of the positional status for the respective valveassemblies corresponding to the one or more individual control modules.The input component receives a command pertaining to one or more of thevalve assemblies. Commands include at least one of an open command, aclose command, a lock command, an unlock command, or an automaticcommand. The processor generates one or more sets of control signals forone or more of the valve assemblies associated with the command. Thetransmitter transmits the one or more sets of control signals to the oneor more individual control modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front view of a valve assembly including a manual overridein a first operating condition, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly in the firstoperating condition along the line A-A.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the valve assembly in a second operatingcondition, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 2A in asecond operating condition along the line A-A.

FIGS. 3A-3B are perspective views of the valve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 4A-4E are illustrations of the manual override portion of thevalve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 5 is a component diagram of a system for maintaining and operatingvalve assemblies, such as the valve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 6A-6E are illustrations of a variety of handle positions of thevalve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 7A-7C are illustrations of position sensing and water sensingcomponents of the valve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an example interface rendered by the systemof FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an example interface rendered by the systemof FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for maintaining and operatingvalve assemblies, such as the valve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 11 is a component diagram of a system for maintaining and operatingvalve assemblies, such as the valve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method for maintaining and operatingvalve assemblies, such as the valve assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-10, an exemplary valve assembly 100 accordingto the present disclosure can include a valve body 110 and a manualoverride portion 112. The valve body 110 controls fluid flow while themanual override portion 112 enables the valve body 110 to be operated inat least two operating conditions. For example, in a first operatingcondition, the valve handle 114 can be driven electrically, such as byan electric motor or other drive mechanism. In a second operatingcondition, the valve handle 114 can be manually operated. This may beuseful in a scenario where power is lost, for example. The ability toquickly open or close the valve assembly 100 by manually manipulatingthe valve handle 114 is advantageous for safe operation of vesselsystems and for the overall integrity of a vessel. The manual overrideportion 112 can be set to the second operating condition manually andcan be returned to the first operating condition either manually orelectrically, as will be described in greater detail herein.

Although not depicted in the figures, the valve body 110 can include anaperture or an opening which allows fluid to flow therethrough and aseal element which toggles between an open position and a closedposition. The valve body 110 houses the seal element, which is situatedbetween seats of the valve body 110 and is connected to an actuationaxle. The actuation axle is connected to a valve handle 114, which isadapted to be adjustable between an open position and a closed position.The valve handle 114 includes a first edge 116 and a second edge 118. Itshould be appreciated by one skilled in the art that movement of thevalve handle 114 causes the seal element to move between the openposition and closed position relative to the aperture. In this way,control of fluid flow can be achieved by rotation of the valve handle114. Explained another way, the valve handle 114 is mounted to the valvebody 110 such that the valve handle 114 is pivotable about an axis ofthe actuation axle to open and close the valve body 110.

In FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the manual override portion 112 includes ashaft 130, a gear 132, an actuation cam 134, a biasing member 136, and afastening element 138. The shaft 130 is elongated, includes a projection150, and rotates about an axis 152. The shaft 130 is connected to theactuation cam 134 by the fastening element 138 through an opening 154 inthe shaft 130. The fastening element 138 can be a screw, a pin, or othertype of fastener. Because the actuation cam 134 can selectively engagewith the valve handle 114 and the valve handle 114 is connected to theactuation axle, an axis 152 of the shaft 130 and an axis of theactuation axle can be coaxial. The projection 150 of the shaft 130 canbe rectangular or square in shape, although other shapes can be used.

The gear 132 defines an opening 160. The opening 160 of the gear 132extends from a first side 162 of the gear 132 through a second, oppositeside 164 of the gear 132. The first side 162 of the gear 132 faces thebiasing member 136. The second, opposite side 164 of the gear 132 facesthe valve body 110. The opening 160 of the gear 132 has a correspondingshape similar in dimensions to the projection 150 of the shaft 130 andcan mate with the shaft 130 via receipt of the projection 150 in theopening 160. For example, the projection 150 of the shaft 130 can haveslightly smaller dimensions than the opening 160 to effectively engageor disengage with the opening 160 of the gear 132. Thus, the opening 160defined by the gear 132 enables selective engagement with the projection150 of the shaft 130.

In FIGS. 6A-6E, the actuation cam 134 is adapted to selectively engagethe valve handle 114 and includes a first cam face 172 and a second camface 170, which can be disposed at right angles to one another. The camfaces 170 and 172 of the actuation cam 134 can be shaped to facilitateengagement with other components. For example, in FIGS. 3A-3B, theactuation cam 134 is in an engaged position relative to the valve handle114 of the valve body 110. Because the actuation cam 134 is shaped, anddue to the proximity of the actuation cam 134 to the valve handle 114when the actuation cam 134 is in the engaged position, rotation of thecam about the axis of the shaft 130 results in the first cam face 172coming in contact with the first edge 116 of the valve handle 114 whenthe actuation cam 134 is rotated in a first direction. Conversely, whenthe actuation cam 134 is rotated in a second direction, the second camface 170 comes in contact with the second edge 118 of the valve handle114. Thus, the actuation cam 134 and the valve handle 114 are positionedwith respect to one another such that the first cam face 172 and thesecond cam face 170 can be brought into contact with opposite edges 116,118 of the handle as a result of rotation of the actuation cam 134 whilethe valve assembly 100 is in the first operating condition.

FIG. 7A (in partial phantom view) shows a magnet 117 disposed in thevalve handle 114 and aligned with a position sensor 181 of the housing180. As shown in FIG. 7A, the valve handle 114 is vertical relative tothe housing 180, resulting in the valve aperture being open. Conversely,FIG. 7B shows the magnet 117 in the valve handle 114 aligned with adifferent position sensor 183 of the housing 180, which defines thevalve handle 114 to be horizontal relative to the housing 180. Thus, thevalve aperture is determined to be closed (e.g., based on the alignmentof the magnet 117 with the position sensor 183). FIG. 7C is aperspective view of FIG. 7A.

There are two methods by which the valve can be manually operated.During normal operation, when power is available, following completionof an “open valve” or “close valve” command, the individual controlmodule 220 returns the actuation cam 134 to a “ready position” shown inFIG. 6A (open ready position), or FIG. 6E (closed ready position). Inthis way, the 90-degree “L” shaped opening of cam 134 (created by thefaces 170 and 172 shown in FIG. 6C) allows the valve handle 114 to bemanually operated at any time.

Conversely, in the second operating condition of the valve assembly 100,shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 4E, the key 113 is removed and the actuationcam 134 is in a disengaged position, offset from the valve handle 114along the axis of the shaft 130 and rotationally oriented about the axisof the shaft 130 such that the shaft 130 is disengaged from the gear132. When the shaft 130 is disengaged from the gear 132, the projection150 of the shaft 130 can contact or rest on the first side 162 of thegear 132, facing the biasing member 136. The actuation cam 134 and theshaft 130 are connected by the fastening element 138 and move as a unitrelative to the gear 132, which remains stationary in either of theoperating conditions.

Because the actuation cam 134 and the shaft 130 move as a unit,disengaging the actuation cam 134 from the valve body 110 or the valvehandle 114 results in the projection 150 of the shaft 130 disengagingfrom the opening 160 of the gear 132. In this manner, the valve handle114 can be operated manually, to rotate in either direction to a desiredposition (e.g., the open position or the closed position) in a manualfashion while the valve assembly 100 is in the second operatingcondition. This can be achieved when the user removes the key 113, andpulls the actuation cam 134 away from the valve body 110 towards thebiasing member 136, overcoming a biasing force, and rotates the valvehandle 114 so that the projection 150 does not mate or engage with thegear 132 when the user releases the actuation cam 134. Rather, theprojection 150 will contact or rest on the first side 162 of the gear132 as a result of the biasing force from the biasing member 136. Thiscan be seen more clearly in FIGS. 4B and 4C.

When the key 113 is removed and the actuation cam 134 is pulled awayfrom the valve handle 114, the first and second edges 116, 118 of thevalve handle 114 are repositioned (contrasted between FIG. 1B and FIG.2B) such that the first cam face 172 and the second cam face 170 of theactuation cam 134 cannot be brought into contact with opposite edges116, 118 of the valve handle 114 when the valve handle 114 is rotated,as seen in FIG. 2B. In this way, the user can change operation of thevalve assembly 100 from the first operating condition to the secondoperating condition without making other prior adjustments and withoutrequiring the use of tools or disengagement of a drive mechanism fromthe valve assembly 100.

With the second method, if power is lost during an open valve or a closevalve operation, the actuation cam 134 stops in the position it was inat the time power was lost (e.g., diagonal, halfway between open andclosed), and is not in the “ready position”. In this case, manualoperation would not be possible. To allow manual operation in bothdirections, an override procedure described herein is conducted.

The biasing member 136 biases the shaft 130 in a direction along theaxis of the shaft 130 toward the valve body 110. A key 113 engages shaft130 axially to assure engagement between shaft projection 150 and gearopening 160. In one embodiment, the biasing member 136 is a spring.Therefore, in the first operating condition of the valve assembly 100,shown in FIGS. 4A and 4D, the actuation cam 134 is in the engagedposition relative to the valve body 110 and held in place because theshaft 130 is biased by the biasing member 136 to be engaged with thegear 132. In other words, the biasing member 136 and the key 113 holdthe projection 150 of the shaft 130 in the engaged position within theopening 160 of the gear 132. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 4A.

In one embodiment, the gear 132 can be a portion of a gear assemblyincluding multiple gears, such as reduction gears which are arranged toprovide reduction gearing to match the rotational speed and torque ofthe drive mechanism to a desired actuation speed and force.

FIGS. 4A-4E are illustrations of the manual override portion 112 of thevalve assembly 100, according to one embodiment. In the exemplaryembodiment depicted in FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4E, the shaft 130 has aprojection 150 which is square and is adapted to engage the squareopening 160 in the gear 132 and is disengaged from the gear 132. Whenpower is applied by the drive mechanism to the shaft while theprojection 150 of the shaft 130 is disengaged from the gear 132, theshaft rotates and the biasing member 136 causes the projection 150 tomate with the opening 160 of the gear 132, as depicted in FIG. 1B andFIG. 4D. In this way, the valve assembly 100 can be automatically placedinto the first operating condition from the second operating conditionby activating the drive mechanism. According to one aspect, a controlleror control module, such as the individual control module 220 or themaster control module 230, may control the valve assembly 100 to operatein the first operating condition based on a received thermal signal.

Because the projection 150 of the shaft 130 of FIG. 4C is square,rotation of the shaft 130 by the drive mechanism and biasing from thebiasing member 136 will cause the shaft 130 to re-engage the gear 132 in90-degree increments. It will be appreciated that other shapes canresult in larger or smaller degree re-engaging increments.

It will be appreciated that the valve assembly 100 can be placed intothe first operating condition from the second operating condition bymanually rotating the actuation cam 134 such that the projection 150 ofthe shaft 130 is in alignment with the opening 160 of the gear 132. Thebiasing member 136 applies the biasing force to the shaft 130, pushingthe shaft 130 and projection 150 into the engaged position (andsimilarly, the actuation cam 134 and the valve body 110 or valve handle114 into the engaged position). Either way, the biasing member 136provides the biasing force to enable re-engagement from the secondoperating condition into the first operating condition.

In both embodiments, counter-clockwise rotation of the valve handle 114causes the valve body 110 to open and clockwise rotation of the valvehandle 114 causes the valve body 110 to close. In other embodiments,clockwise rotation of the valve handle 114 causes the valve body 110 toopen and counter-clockwise rotation of the valve handle 114 causes thevalve body 110 to close. In one embodiment, the valve assembly 100 isopen when the valve handle 114 is in a vertical position and closed whenthe valve handle 114 is in a horizontal position with respect to thevalve body 110.

Additionally, the valve assembly 100 can include a housing 180 (shown inFIGS. 3B and 7A) and one or more position sensors 181, 182, and 183. Forexample, the position sensors 182 and 183 (shown in FIG. 7A) candetermine when the valve handle 114 is rotated to a horizontal, closedposition in contact with a hard stop 184 (shown in FIG. 3B). Accordingto one aspect, a current sensor 190 senses an amount of current drawn bya drive mechanism 210 (shown in FIG. 5) and determines whether the valvehandle 114 is fully actuated to a horizontal or closed position suchthat one of the edges 116 or 118 of the valve handle 114 is in contactwith the hard stop 184. The position sensor 181 determines when thevalve handle 114 is in the vertical (open) position relative to thehousing 180. The valve assembly 100 can include sensors, such as thecurrent sensor 190 (shown in FIG. 7A) which provides motor currentsignals indicative of a position of the valve handle 114 against thehard stop 184 or a failure of the drive mechanism. Other examples ofsensed parameters include voltages (e.g., associated with a batterylevel, the presence of high water), torque, force, etc. associated withany of the components disclosed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 7A-7C, water level sensors 192 are used todetect a high water level when water is in contact with two or more (orboth) of the water level sensors 192. When the water is at this level(e.g., higher than both of the water level sensors 192), an electricalpath is established between the two or more water level sensors 192,thereby completing a circuit. This circuit causes transmission of awater level status signal to initiate an alert that there is a highwater condition at that particular valve assembly location.

FIG. 5 is a component diagram of a system for controlling, maintaining,and operating one or more valve assemblies, according to one embodiment.The system can include a number of valve assemblies, drive units,individual control modules, and a master control module 230. However,for the sake of explanation merely one valve assembly 100, drivemechanism 210 or unit (also shown in FIGS. 3A-3B), individual controlmodule 220, and master control module 230 are described. In oneembodiment, any number of the valve assemblies can be configuredsimilarly to the valve assembly 100 of FIG. 1B.

The individual control module 220 is a stand-alone module which allowsfor local operation of a single corresponding valve assembly 100. Forexample, the individual control module 220 includes buttons or switcheswhich allow a user to open or close the corresponding valve assembly100. When pressed, these buttons cause the individual control module 220to provide or transmit a control signal to the drive mechanism 210 orunit to either open or close the corresponding valve assembly 100. Thedrive mechanism 210 or unit is coupled to the valve handle 114 and iselectrically driven by a control signal from the individual controlmodule 220 or the master control module 230. In one embodiment, theindividual control module 220 includes two membrane switches 252, 254and two, three, or four light emitting diodes (LEDs). One of themembrane switches 254 opens the corresponding valve assembly 100 whenpressed, while the other membrane switch 252 closes the valve assembly100. When the valve assembly 100 is open the LED above the membraneswitch 254 of the individual control module 220 is green. Conversely,when the valve assembly 100 is closed, the LED above the membrane switch252 of the individual control module 220 is red. A flashing green orflashing red LED indicates the valve assembly 100 is in transit towardthe commanded (open or close) position. A blue LED 256 indicates a highwater condition specific to the valve location and a yellow LED 258indicates that power is supplied and that the fuse is intact.

Further, the individual control module 220 includes circuitry whichreceives one or more status signals from different sensors of the valveassembly 100, such as water level status signals and positional statussignals. Based on these signals, the individual control module 220 candisplay at least some of the status information associated with thevalve assembly 100, such as whether the valve assembly 100 is open orclosed, the presence of a high water condition at the location of thecorresponding connected valve assembly 100, and the presence of power.The circuitry of the individual control module 220 can include atransmitter 262 and a receiver 264 or a transceiver which enablescommunication between the individual control module 220 and the mastercontrol module 230 as well as communication between the individualcontrol module 220 and the corresponding valve assembly 100.

The master control module 230 is optional and can communicate with aplurality of individual control modules and is capable of doing sowirelessly or in a wired fashion. Similarly to the individual controlmodule 220, the master control module 230 can include a transmitter 302and a receiver 304 or a transceiver. In this way, the master controlmodule 230 can transmit commands to different individual control modulesor receive status information from individual control modules. The useof transceivers enables the master control module 230 to be locatedremote from the individual control modules and corresponding valveassemblies. For example, the master control module 230 can be located atthe helm of the vessel, the individual control module 220 can be locatedin an engine room, and the valve assembly 100 can be located on the hullof the vessel. In this way, the transmitter 302 can transmit sets ofcontrol signals to individual control modules in a wireless fashion.

In any event, the individual control module 220 can relay signalinformation from the valve assembly 100 to the master control module230, which can be used as a platform to manage all of the valveassemblies of the vessel. The master control module 230 can include thetransmitter 302 and receiver 304 or transceiver, a processor 310, amemory 312, an input component 314, a display 316, and an audiocomponent 318 (e.g., a speaker or horn).

The master control module 230 can, at a glance, provide statusinformation for one or more detected valve assemblies, such as apositional status of the valve assembly 100. In one embodiment, thedisplay 316 and the input component 314 are integrated as a single unit,in the form of a touchscreen. The input component 314 is a componentwhich allows users to enter a command pertaining to one or more of thevalve assemblies. In other embodiments, the master control module 230can be implemented as a mobile device, such as an application installedon a smartphone or a tablet. The input component 314 can be configuredto provide one or more options for one or more different commands to beentered. Upon selection of a respective command, the receiver 304 cangather status signals from different valve assemblies and have theprocessor 310 react accordingly (e.g., based on the selected commandand/or one or more selected valves). Regardless, the commands receivedat the input component 314 can be transmitted (e.g., as control signals)to an appropriate group of valve assemblies (or associated drive units)through respective individual control modules.

The receiver 304 can receive the status signals from one or morecorresponding individual control modules. Examples of status signalsinclude lock status signals indicative of a lock status of the valveassembly 100, water level status signals, automatic status signals, etc.The positional status signal is indicative of a positional status of thevalve assembly 100 of the detected valve assemblies corresponding to arespective individual control module of the individual control modules.The water level status signal is indicative of the water levelassociated with the valve assembly 100 and is received from the waterlevel sensors 192 of the valve assembly 100.

Further, the master control module 230 can, at the command of the user,operate one or more selected valve assemblies by transmitting orreceiving commands at the input component 314. The input component 314can transmit or receive a command or user inputs pertaining to at leastone of the valve assemblies. Examples of commands include “exerciseall”, “open all”, “close all”, “assign group”, “select valve(s)”, etc.In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can be similar or havean identical hardware configuration to the individual control module,except that it is configured to act as a hub or “master” with respect tothe other individual control modules.

The processor 310 can generate one or more sets of control signals forthe valve assemblies associated with the command. The transmitter 302can transmit sets of control signals to selected individual controlmodules, which in turn, pass the control signals to corresponding valveassemblies. Examples of commands include selecting the valve assembly100, assigning the valve assembly 100 to a group, opening, closing,locking, unlocking, or toggling the valve assembly 100. The display 316can render graphic elements indicative of a status for any one of therespective valve assemblies based on the status signals received fromthe individual control module.

Setup Valve Assemblies

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can be utilized todetect and setup the detected valve assemblies. For example, the memory312 of the master control module 230 can access or store a selection ofvessel plans, and allow the user to select the plan which is indicativeof a layout of the vessel. Alternately, the user can “upload” a vesselplan of their choosing. As valve assemblies are added, an icon isrendered on the display 316. The master control module 230 offers akeyboard for the naming of each valve (i.e., PORT ENGINE, GENERATOR,etc.) and allows each valve icon to be placed by “drag and drop” in itsrelative location on the vessel plan shown on the display 316. In thismanner, at the conclusion of the setup process, a vessel plan is shownwith all valve assemblies named and located accurately, thereby enablingthe user to view all valve assemblies aboard the vessel at a glance,corresponding operational and position status, and to command statusand/or position changes.

For example, as seen in FIG. 8, a menu or interface 800 can be displayedwhich includes a graphic element or an icon (e.g., a gear icon forsetup), which when pressed or selected, enables the user to “Add anE-Valve” 802 or “Name an E-Valve” 804. Each valve assembly is uniquelyidentified and is individually addressed within the interface renderedby the display 316 (e.g., one graphic element is rendered for each valveassembly).

In one embodiment, the individual control module 220 assigns the valveassembly 100 a unique identification number 806. In other embodiments,each individual control module 220 comes with a pre-defined uniqueidentification number, which is transmitted from the individual controlmodule 220 to the master control module 230. The display 316 and inputcomponent 314 of the master control module 230 can be implemented toassign other types of information to the corresponding valve assembly,such as the location of the valve assembly in accordance with the vesselplan. Further, the input component 314 can assign an automatic status toa selected valve assembly through a graphic element 808 presented as atouchscreen option. When the selected valve assembly is designated withthe automatic status, the valve assembly 100 is commanded by theprocessor 310 or individual control module 220 to open when an engine ofthe vessel is operating and to close when the engine ceases operation.Thus, the processor 310 can provide control signals to different orindividual valve assemblies based on an operational status (e.g., engineactive, engine inactive, vessel unattended, a failsafe condition, awater level, oil pressure, etc.) of the vessel.

In other embodiments, the display 316 can render a “find valve”interface which enables the user to utilize the input component 314 toenter a name or location associated with a valve assembly. The processor310 can search for associated valve assemblies and have the display 316render a list of results.

Status Display

According to one aspect, when the user advances to a startup screen or ahome screen, the display 316 can render graphic elements (902, 904, 906,908, 910, and 912) indicative of the positional status and locations forthe respective valve assemblies based on the positional status signalsand identifiers received from the individual control module 220, as seenin FIG. 9. Further, the display 316 can render graphic elementsindicative of the lock status for the valve assemblies based on the lockstatus signals received from the individual control modules. The display316 can render different statuses in different colors and differentoperational statuses in different colors. For example, graphic elementscan indicate the positional status of the corresponding valve assemblywhere a constant red color is indicative of the closed positional statusand a constant green color is indicative of the open positional status.Blinking (or flashing) red or blinking green graphic elements mean thatthe valve assembly is in the process of closing or opening,respectively. The display 316 can provide a visual indication of thestatus of the valve assembly and a way to issue commands to thecorresponding valve assembly, such as the graphic element 902, 904, 906,908, 910, and 912, which are rendered as software icons or buttons, forexample.

In an embodiment, a selected valve assembly icon can be rendered yellowin color. Thus, a group of selected valves would be displayed in yellow.In another embodiment, yellow is used to indicate that the valveassembly depicted is in automatic mode. Blue can be used to indicatethat the valve assembly is locked. Orange can be used to indicate aproblem with the corresponding valve assembly, such as a power failure,a jammed component, a blown fuse, etc.

Other status information can be rendered by the display 316 for each ofthe valve assemblies. Examples of status information include anoperational state of the valve assembly, a function of the valveassembly, flow rate information (e.g., obtained from a flow meter orsensor on the valve assembly), positional status of the valve assembly,high water in a specific valve assembly location, and position of thevalve according to the vessel plan.

Lock Valve

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can lock one or morevalves in the open position or the closed position. After confirming thevalve is in the desired open or closed position, with reference to FIG.8, a valve may be selected for locking by scrolling left or scrollingright until the desired valve assembly appears in the center position810 of the set-up screen interface 800, identified by a white framearound the icon. When “locked” 812 is pressed the icon is displayed in ablue color and the “locked” box 812 displays a check mark. When “Done”814 is pressed, master control module 230 commands actuation cam 134 torotate 90-degrees counter-clockwise from the “Ready Position” to providea mechanical lock of the valve handle 114 in the open (vertical)position. This is shown more clearly in FIGS. 6A-6B.

Similarly, the master control module 230 can lock one or more valves inthe closed position. After confirming the valve is closed, referring toFIG. 8, a valve may be selected for locking by scrolling left orscrolling right until the desired valve assembly appears in the centerposition 810 of the set-up screen interface 800, identified by a whiteframe around the icon. When “locked” 812 is pressed the icon isdisplayed in a blue color and the “locked” box 812 displays a checkmark. When “Done” 814 is pressed, master control module 230 commandsactuation cam 134 to rotate 90-degrees clockwise from the “ReadyPosition” to provide a mechanical lock of the valve handle 114 in theopen (horizontal) position. This is shown more clearly in FIGS. 6D-6E.

The master control module 230 can override the locked option and respondto the “Close All” command by closing valves that are locked open.

Exercise All

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can be utilized toexercise all detected valve assemblies which are not associated with a“locked” lock status. A “valve exercise” is a command that cycles ortoggles the valve assembly from its present (e.g., open or closed)position to the opposite position, and returns the valve to its originalposition. This may be done to a selected group of valve assemblies or agroup of “all” valve assemblies (subject to the lock status). Thedisplay 316 can render the “exercise all” graphic element 922 at aninterface 900 upon startup of the master control module 230 oruniversally across different interfaces as an option for the user. Whenthe input component 314 receives the “exercise all” command, theprocessor 310 checks the lock status signals to determine which valveassemblies are locked and which valve assemblies are unlocked. The lockstatus signals are received by the receiver 304 from the correspondingindividual control modules. The processor 310 determines a group of allof the valve assemblies having the “unlocked” lock status as the groupwhich will be exercised. Within this group of valve assemblies havingthe “unlocked” lock status, the processor 310 issues a first set ofcontrol signals to a first subgroup, and a second set of control signalsto a second subgroup.

At the completion of each open or close command, the master controlmodule 230 or the individual control module may command the actuationcam 134 to return to the ready position, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6E.

The first subgroup is defined as a group of detected valve assemblieswhich has the “unlocked” lock status and also has the open positionalstatus. For this first subgroup, the processor 310 generates a set ofcontrol signals to close these valve assemblies and subsequentlyre-open. The transmitter 302 transmits this set of control signals tothe first subgroup of valve assemblies (e.g., the initial close commandis transmitted, followed by the open command).

The second subgroup is defined as a group of detected valve assemblieswhich has the “unlocked” lock status and has the closed positionalstatus. For this second subgroup, the processor 310 generates a set ofcontrol signals to open these valve assemblies and subsequentlyre-close.

In one embodiment, the transmitter 302 waits for a confirmation from theuser prior to transmitting the corresponding exercise control signals tothe first and second subgroups of valve assemblies. In otherembodiments, “exercise all” can be automatically implemented by theprocessor 310 at startup or at one or more periodic time intervals, suchas “Exercise once per week” (e.g., 168 hours) or “Exercise every day”(e.g., 24 hours). In this way, valve stiffness due to marine growth orcorrosion can be mitigated.

Open All

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can be utilized to openall detected valve assemblies which are not associated with a “locked”lock status. Similarly to the “exercise all” embodiment, merely thevalve assemblies which have the “unlocked” lock status are provided withthe open command. Thus, when the “open all” command is received at theinput component 314 by a touch of the “open all” graphic element 924,the processor 310 checks the lock status signals to determine whichvalve assemblies are locked and which valve assemblies are unlocked andthe positional status to determine the closed valve assemblies. Theprocessor 310 determines a group of all of the valve assemblies havingthe “unlocked” lock status and the closed positional status as the groupwhich will be exercised. In an embodiment, valve assemblies associatedwith an automatic status are excluded from this group. The processor 310issues a set of control signals to this group to open the valveassemblies, and the transmitter 302 transmits the control signalsaccordingly.

Close All

The “Close All” command can be used as an emergency action. In oneembodiment, the master control module 230 can be utilized to close alldetected valve assemblies, regardless of the lock status of these valveassemblies. Unlike the other “exercise all” or “open all” embodiments,all the detected valve assemblies are provided with the close command.In other words, the “all” group for the “close all” command and the“all” group for the “exercise all” and “open all” command are notnecessarily the same. Thus when the “close all” command is received viathe “close all” graphic element 926 input component 314, the processor310 issues a set of control signals to all detected valve assemblieshaving the open positional status to close, and the transmitter 302transmits the control signals accordingly to respective individualcontrol modules. In one embodiment, the display 316 renders anotification or a confirmation which requires user input or userconfirmation before the transmitter 302 transmits the close command tothe open valve assemblies.

Select, Deselect, and Group Valve Assemblies

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can be utilized toselect the detected valve assemblies. For example, the input component314 can receive an assignment command assigning the selected valveassemblies to a group. An example of the assignment input could be adrag and drop operation. An example of a selection command could be apress and hold operation at the graphic element of an interface 900.Thus, groups of valve assemblies can be defined and addressed with asingle command. When groups are created, the display 316 can render agraphic element for that group, which allows the user to lock, unlock,open, close, or provide other commands to that group. In this way,commands received by the input component 314 can pertain to the group ofvalve assemblies, rather than a single valve assembly.

Command Selected Valve Assemblies (Open, Close, Lock, Unlock, Exercise)

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can be utilized tocommand selected valve assemblies. The display 316 can render one ormore graphic elements which represent the valve assemblies or one ormore groups of valve assemblies. Using the input component 314, the usercan select a particular valve assembly or group of valve assemblies,such as by touching the corresponding graphic element on the display 316or touchscreen. Depending on the status of the valve assembly, differentoptions can be displayed.

In other words, the processor 310 receives positional signals(indicative of whether the valve assembly is open or closed) andautomatic signals from each individual control modules 220, and lockedor unlocked signals from master control module 230. Based on this statussignal information, the processor 310 can cause the display to renderavailable options.

For example, if the valve is in the “locked” lock status, an unlockoption is rendered on the display 316. Thus, when the “unlock” commandis received at the input component 314, the processor 310 assigns the“unlocked” lock status to the valve assemblies associated with thiscommand (e.g., the selected valve assemblies).

Continuing on, if the valve is in the “unlocked” lock status, a lockoption is rendered on the display 316. When the valve assembly has the“unlocked” lock status, that valve assembly is included in the “openall” and “exercise all” command group. However, when the valve assemblyhas the “locked” lock status, that valve assembly is not included in the“open all” and the “exercise all” command group. Stated another way,when the “lock” command is received at the input component 314, asapplied to the selected valve assemblies, the processor 310 assigns the“locked” lock status to the valve assemblies which are selected. Thismeans that further “exercise all” and “open all” commands to theselocked valve assemblies (e.g., associated with the “locked” lock status)are ignored such that the positional status of the locked valveassemblies is maintained in their current positional states.

When the “locked” lock status is commanded for any valve, the individualcontrol module 220 commands the actuation cam 134 to rotate 90-degreesaway from the ready position to the “Open Locked” position (e.g., shownin FIG. 6B) or to the “Closed Locked” position (e.g., shown in FIG. 6D)for the purpose of affecting a “mechanical lock” of actuation cam 134against the valve handle 114 of the valve assembly 100, therebypreventing unwanted manual or electric actuation of valve assembly 100.When the “locked” lock status is changed to “unlocked” lock status, theindividual control module 220 commands actuation cam 134 to return90-degrees to the “Ready Position”, shown in FIG. 6A or FIG. 6E.

Conversely, the “close all” command results in all detected valveassemblies being closed, regardless of the lock status of the valveassembly.

Open and close command options are presented based on the currentpositional status of the valve assembly. The receiver 304 of the mastercontrol module 230 receives the status signals from the individualcontrol module 220 (which receives the status signals from sensors ofthe valve assembly 100). These status signals can be received by theprocessor 310 and rendered as graphic elements on the display 316,thereby indicating to the user whether the valve assembly is locked,unlocked, open, closed, or in a transition between opening and closing.

At one screen or interface rendered by the display 316, the statuses ofindividual valve assemblies is rendered, illustrating for example, thepositional status and the lock status of detected valve assemblies. Whena specific valve assembly or group of valve assemblies is selected, theprocessor 310 determines available commands which are applicable to theselected valve assembly or group of valve assemblies, and the display316 renders these available commands as different graphic elements. Whenone of the commands is selected by the user (e.g., via the inputcomponent 314), the processor 310 generates one or more sets of controlsignals which correspond to the selected command for the valveassemblies associated with the command (e.g., valve assemblies which arecurrently selected). The transmitter 302 transmits the sets of controlsignals to selected individual control modules, which pass the controlsignals to drive units of the corresponding valve assemblies. Thedisplay 316 can render graphic elements indicative of the status for thevalve assemblies as the commands are executed.

Following the completion of an “open” or “close” command to the valveassembly, the individual control module 220 can generate a controlsignal which causes the drive unit 120 of the valve assembly to returnthe actuation cam 134 to a ready position, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6E.

Water Level Alert

In one embodiment, the master control module 230 can provide alertspertaining to high water levels in a specific area of the vessel whenthe receiver 304 receives a water level status signal from theindividual control module 220 which is indicative of a water levelassociated with the valve assembly being above a threshold level. Aspreviously discussed, this can be achieved by having two or more waterlevel sensors 192 which form a closed loop when the water level is highenough such that both water level sensors 192 are underwater. Thiselectrical connection results in the sensors transmitting a water levelstatus signal to the individual control module 220 and illuminate theblue LED 256 on the individual control module 220, which optionallypasses the signal to the master control module 230. When the mastercontrol module 230 (optionally) receives this signal, the processor 310can cause the display 316 to render a graphic element indicative of thehigh water level status for the corresponding valve assembly. Further,the processor 310 can command the audio component 318 to play an audioalert when the water level is greater than this threshold level. Incertain scenarios, the processor 310 can also order all valves to beclosed using a “close all” command when the threshold is exceeded.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 for maintaining and operatingvalve assemblies, according to one embodiment. The method may includereceiving one or more positional status signals from one or morecorresponding individual control modules at 1002, rendering one or moregraphic elements indicative of the positional status for the respectivevalve assemblies corresponding to the one or more individual controlmodules at 1004, receiving a command pertaining to one or more of thevalve assemblies at 1006, generating one or more sets of control signalsfor one or more of the valve assemblies associated with the command at1008, and transmitting the one or more sets of control signals to theone or more individual control modules at 1010.

According to one aspect, the system for controlling, maintaining, andoperating one or more valve assemblies described above may beimplemented with one or more additional components, such as a thermalfuse or a thermal sensor, and configured to perform one or more valveoperations based on one or more readings from the thermal fuse or thethermal sensor. Explained another way, the system for controlling,maintaining, and operating one or more valve assemblies may be outfittedor configured to close the valve assembly 100 upon detection of anevent, such as an on-board fire, for example.

In this regard, FIG. 11 is a component diagram of a system formaintaining and operating valve assemblies, such as the valve assembly100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. According to one aspect, the system for maintainingand operating valve assemblies of FIG. 11 may be similar to the systemfor maintaining and operating valve assemblies of FIG. 5, but furtherinclude a thermal sensing element 1102. The thermal sensing element 1102may be the thermal fuse or the thermal sensor. According to one aspect,this thermal sensing element 1102 may be connected via an electricalconnection 1104 to the individual control module 220. According toanother aspect, the thermal sensing element 1102 may be connected via awireless connection 1106 to the master control module 230.

Regardless, the thermal sensing element 1102 may be associated with athreshold temperature, such as three hundred degrees Fahrenheit, forexample. The thermal sensing element 1102 may be positioned in theengine room, where a fire may be located. If the thermal sensing element1102 is a thermal fuse, and the temperature at the location of thethermal fuse exceeds the threshold temperature, the thermal fuse maymelt, thereby interrupting a circuit associated with the thermal sensingelement 1102. In response to receiving a thermal signal from the thermalsensing element 1102, the individual control module 220 may generate acontrol signal (e.g., the signal to close the valve assembly 100) basedon the thermal signal from the thermal sensing element 1102 and commandthe corresponding, connected valve assembly 100 to perform an operationbased on the melting of the thermal fuse, such as to close the valveassembly 100 if the valve assembly 100 is in an open state. If the valveassembly 100 is already in a closed state, no signal may be sent fromthe individual control module 220 to the valve assembly 100.

According to one aspect, the master control module 230 may, in responseto a melted thermal fuse indication via the wireless connection 1106,command the corresponding individual control module 220 which isconnected to and controls the valve assembly 100 to perform theoperation based on the melting of the thermal fuse, such as to close thevalve assembly 100 if the valve assembly 100 is in the open state. Inother words, the receiver of the master control module 230 may receive athermal signal from the thermal sensing element 1102. The processor ofthe master control module 230 may generate one or more sets of controlsignals (e.g., the signal to close the valve assembly 100) based on thethermal signal from the thermal sensing element 1102. The transmitter ofthe master control module 230 may transmit one or more sets of controlsignals (e.g., the signal to close the valve assembly 100) to one ormore individual control modules (e.g., individual control module 220)based on the thermal signal from the thermal sensing element 1102.Again, if the valve assembly 100 is already in a closed state, no signalmay be sent from the master control module 230 or the individual controlmodule 220 to the valve assembly 100.

It will be appreciated that similar operation may be performed if thethermal sensing element 1102 is the thermal sensor rather than thethermal fuse. According to one aspect, the valve assembly 100 mayinclude a battery backup 1120 which enables operation of the valveassembly 100 even when power is lost. In other words, the battery backup1120 may supply power to the valve assembly 100 during power outageconditions. Further, it will be appreciated that the thermal sensingelement 1102 may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, thethermal sensing element 1102 may be incorporated into the valve assembly100, the master control module 230, the individual control module 220,mounted in the engine room, on the engine, etc. The thermal sensingelement 1102 may be electrically connected to one or more of the mastercontrol module 230 or the individual control module 220. The thermalsensing element 1102 may be in wireless communication with one or moreof the master control module 230 or the individual control module 220.In this way, the master control module 230 or the individual controlmodule 220 may automatically execute a close command for one or morevalve assemblies, such as the valve assembly 100, which are open basedon a temperature reading or the melted thermal fuse indication from thethermal sensing element 1102.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method 1200 for maintaining and operatingvalve assemblies, such as the valve assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. Themethod may include receiving 1202 one or more positional status signalsfrom one or more corresponding individual control modules, eachpositional status signal indicative of a positional status of a valveassembly of one or more valve assemblies corresponding to a respectiveindividual control module of the one or more individual control modules,receiving 1204 a thermal signal from a thermal sensing element,generating 1206 one or more sets of control signals for one or more ofthe valve assemblies associated with the command based on the thermalsignal from the thermal sensing element, and transmitting 1208 the oneor more sets of control signals to the one or more individual controlmodules.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, can bedesirably combined into many other different systems or applications.Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives,modifications, variations or improvements therein can be subsequentlymade by those skilled in the art which are also intended to beencompassed by the following claims.

1. A master control module for controlling one or more valve assemblies,comprising: a receiver that receives one or more positional statussignals from one or more corresponding individual control modules, eachpositional status signal indicative of a positional status of a valveassembly of one or more valve assemblies corresponding to a respectiveindividual control module of the one or more individual control modules,the receiver receiving a thermal signal from a thermal sensing element;a processor that generates one or more sets of control signals for oneor more of the valve assemblies based on the thermal signal from thethermal sensing element; and a transmitter that transmits the one ormore sets of control signals to the one or more individual controlmodules based on the thermal signal from the thermal sensing element. 2.The master control module of claim 1, wherein: the receiver receives oneor more water level status signals from the one or more correspondingindividual control modules, each water level status signal indicative ofa water level associated with a valve assembly of the one or more valveassemblies and received from a water level sensor from the valveassembly.
 3. The master control module of claim 1, comprising: an inputcomponent that provides an option for an “exercise all” command to beentered and upon selection of the “exercise all” command: the receiverreceives one or more lock status signals from the one or morecorresponding individual control modules, each lock status signalindicative of a lock status of a valve assembly of the one or more valveassemblies, wherein the lock status is at least one of locked orunlocked, and wherein the positional status is at least one of open orclosed; the processor generates the one or more sets of control signalsfor the valve assemblies having an “unlocked” lock status; and thetransmitter that transmits the one or more sets of control signals tothe one or more individual control modules such that of the valveassemblies having the “unlocked” lock status: valve assembliesassociated with an open positional status are commanded to close, thenre-open; and valve assemblies associated with a closed positional statusare commanded to open, then re-close.
 4. The master control module ofclaim 1, comprising: an input component that provides an option for an“open all” command to be entered and upon selection of an “open all”command: the receiver receives one or more lock status signals from theone or more corresponding individual control modules, each lock statussignal indicative of a lock status of a valve assembly of the one ormore valve assemblies, wherein the lock status is at least one of lockedor unlocked, and wherein the positional status is at least one of openor closed; the processor generates the one or more sets of controlsignals for the valve assemblies having an “unlocked” lock status; andthe transmitter that transmits the one or more sets of control signalsto the one or more individual control modules such that of the valveassemblies having the “unlocked” lock status, valve assembliesassociated with the closed positional status are commanded to open. 5.The master control module of claim 1, comprising: an input componentthat provides an option for a “close all” command to be entered and uponselection of the “close all” command: wherein the positional status ofthe one or more valve assemblies is at least one of open or closed; theprocessor generates the one or more sets of control signals for thevalve assemblies having an open positional status; and the transmitterthat transmits the one or more sets of control signals to the one ormore individual control modules such that valve assemblies associatedwith the open positional status are commanded to close.
 6. The mastercontrol module of claim 5, wherein the input component receives aconfirmation input prior to the transmitter transmitting the one or moresets of control signals to command closure of the valve assemblies. 7.The master control module of claim 1, comprising: an input componentthat provides an option for an assignment command to be entered and uponselection of the assignment command assigns one or more selected valveassemblies to a group; and a command received by the input component isa command pertaining to the group of valve assemblies.
 8. The mastercontrol module of claim 1, comprising: an input component that providesan option for a selection command to be entered and upon receipt of theselection command, selecting one or more corresponding valve assemblies;and the selection command received by the input component is a commandpertaining to the selected valve assemblies.
 9. The master controlmodule of claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits the one or moresets of control signals to one or more of the individual control modulesin a wireless fashion.
 10. The master control module of claim 1,comprising: an input component that provides an option for a “lock”command to be entered and upon selection of the “lock” command: theprocessor assigns a “locked” lock status to corresponding valveassemblies, wherein further “exercise all” and “open all” commands tovalve assemblies associated with the “locked” lock status are ignoredsuch that the positional status of the locked valve assemblies ismaintained.
 11. The master control module of claim 1, comprising: aninput component that provides an option for an “unlock” command to beentered and upon selection of the “unlock” command: the processorassigns an “unlocked” lock status to corresponding valve assemblies. 12.The master control module of claim 1, comprising a display that rendersdifferent positional statuses in different colors and differentoperational statuses in different colors.
 13. The master control moduleof claim 1, comprising a touchscreen including an input component and adisplay.
 14. A method for controlling one or more valve assemblies,comprising: receiving one or more positional status signals from one ormore corresponding individual control modules, each positional statussignal indicative of a positional status of a valve assembly of one ormore valve assemblies corresponding to a respective individual controlmodule of the one or more individual control modules; receiving athermal signal from a thermal sensing element; generating one or moresets of control signals for one or more of the valve assemblies based onthe thermal signal from the thermal sensing element; and transmittingthe one or more sets of control signals to the one or more individualcontrol modules.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:receiving an “exercise all” command; receiving one or more lock statussignals from the one or more corresponding individual control modules,each lock status signal indicative of a lock status of a valve assemblyof the one or more valve assemblies, wherein the lock status is at leastone of locked or unlocked, and wherein the positional status is at leastone of open or closed; generating the one or more sets of controlsignals for the valve assemblies having an “unlocked” lock status; andtransmitting the one or more sets of control signals to the one or moreindividual control modules such that of the valve assemblies having the“unlocked” lock status: valve assemblies associated with an openpositional status are commanded to close, then re-open; and valveassemblies associated with a closed positional status are commanded toopen, then re-close.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein a command is an“open all” command, and further comprising: receiving one or more lockstatus signals from the one or more corresponding individual controlmodules, each lock status signal indicative of a lock status of a valveassembly of the one or more valve assemblies, wherein the lock status isat least one of locked or unlocked, and wherein the positional status isat least one of open or closed; generating the one or more sets ofcontrol signals for the valve assemblies having an “unlocked” lockstatus; and transmitting the one or more sets of control signals to theone or more individual control modules such that of the valve assemblieshaving the “unlocked” lock status, valve assemblies associated with theclosed positional status are commanded to open.
 17. A valve assemblyincluding a manual override, comprising: a thermal sensing elementconfigured to generate a thermal signal; a control module; a valve body;an actuation cam selectively engaging a valve handle; a shaft connectedto the actuation cam, the shaft including a projection and delineatingan axis; a gear defining an opening selectively receiving the projectionof the shaft to engage the shaft to the gear; and a biasing memberbiasing the shaft in a direction along the axis of the shaft towards thevalve body, wherein, in a first operating condition of the valveassembly, the actuation cam is in an engaged position relative to thevalve handle and the shaft is biased by the biasing member to be engagedwith the gear, wherein, in a second operating condition of the valveassembly, the actuation cam is in a disengaged position offset along theaxis of the shaft from the valve handle and at least partially rotatedabout the axis of the shaft such that the shaft is disengaged from thegear, wherein the control module controls the valve assembly to operatein the first operating condition based on the thermal signal.
 18. Thevalve assembly of claim 17, the valve handle pivotally mounted to thevalve body to open and close the valve body.
 19. The valve assembly ofclaim 18, wherein the actuation cam includes a first cam face and asecond cam face, wherein, in the first operating condition of the valveassembly: the first cam face comes in contact with a first edge of thevalve handle when the actuation cam is rotated in a first direction; andthe second cam face comes in contact with a second edge of the valvehandle when the actuation cam is rotated in a second direction.
 20. Thevalve assembly of claim 17, further comprising a drive unit coupled tothe valve handle, the drive unit electrically driven by a control signalfrom an individual control module or a master control module.